The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-14

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] It Crashed Near Grammatiko Tragedy on Air

By Vivian Papastefanou

A Cypriot airliner from Helios Airways with 115 passengers and a six-member crew on board crashed shortly after 12pm in an inaccessible area near Grammatiko north of Athens. The plane was en route from Larnaca in Cyprus to Athens. As soon as Eleftherios Venizelos control tower lost contact with the plane of the Helios Airways, an alarm sounded to locate it. Two Greek F16 fighter jets immediately took off and reported that they located the plane flying over the island of Kea and rushed to accompany it to the airport. However, the plane did not follow the F16 and it crashed in a non-inhabitant area near Grammatiko. As per NET sources, one of the pilots had already collapsed before the crash. Rescue teams are on their way to the site.

As per eyewitness Giannis Peppas, an Olympic Airways employee, who spoke on NET television, the crash was violent and its debris have been scattered everywhere and he deemed that there are no survivors.

On his part, Marathonas Mayor Vagelis Mexis told NET that the authorities have been mobilised.

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis along with the competent Ministers are urgently heading back to Athens to monitor and coordinate the rescue efforts. An emergency meeting is likely to be held in Maximos Mansion.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Ahead of Israeli Pullout Tension in Gaza

By Vivian Papastefanou

The Israeli withdrawal from the Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip is scheduled for Monday with the preparations on both parts, the Palestinians and the Israelis, escalating. 75,000 men of the Palestinian security forces are on high alert around the Jewish settlements in Gaza, while the Israeli troops are setting barricades south of Israel to prevent the settlements from being approached. Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis have been employed to maintain order in the old city of Jerusalem. Palestinian Interior Minister Naser Yousif told AFP that he is to meet with the Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz to sort out the details regarding the pullout.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Believers Cram Tinos and Paros Athens is Empty

By Vivian Papastefanou

Athens looks deserted, as the excursionists exodus for the August 15 religious holiday has been completed. The traffic was rather increased in the ports, the national highways and at Eleftherios Venizelos. Delays were reported in some shipping routes from the Piraeus Port, since thousands of believers set off to Tinos and Paros to attend the religious celebrations dedicated to Virgin Mary. The countrys political leadership is in the countryside to celebrate the August 15 religious holiday. President of Greek Republic Karolos Papoulias will visit the Molyvdoskepastos Convent in Konitsa, northwest of Greece. Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis is on Tinos to attend the religious festivities there, while PASOK leader Giorgos Papandreou will go to Paros. SYN leader Alekos Alavanos is also on Tinos.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Possibly a Crime of Passion Wanton Murder in Kolonos

By Vivian Papastefanou

A wanton crime was discovered yesterday night in an apartment on the fourth floor in a block of flats in Kolonos, west of Athens. A 48-year-old was found naked on the floor of her bedroom and as per the coroner she suffered multiple knife injuries. Her apartment was in a mess, but there was no sing of breaking in. Her husband who is wanted by the police is believed to be a key person. In the meantime, the neighbours spoke of frequent quarrels.

Translated by Areti Christou

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